221102000249 - Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) for the proposed Rundu Purification Plant Extension

The Proponent proposes to upgrade the existing water supply schemes at Rundu and Nkarapamwe (inclusive of construction of a new water treatment plant at Rundu with a capacity of 1 800 m3/h, upgrading of water supply abstraction, reservoirs and conveyance systems) and the decommissioning of the old water treatment plant and associated redundant infrastructure at Rundu. Rundu is the largest town in the Kavango East Region; it is situated on the southern side of the Okavango River on the border with Angola. Namibia Water Corporation Ltd (NamWater) operates two river water supply schemes, Rundu and Nkarapamwe, to supply the town. Both schemes abstract raw water from the Okavango River and after treatment and disinfection, potable water is supplied to various consumers, including the Rundu Town Council, the Military Base at the Airport, Government Institutions, Industries, Businesses and Private Consumers. Both NamWater schemes have difficulties in coping with the water demand at Rundu Town. The existing schemes are old, and it is running at maximum capacity. As a result, internal NamWater studies suggested the upgrading of the existing Rundu and Nkarapamwe water supply schemes and construction of a new water treatment plant at Rundu with an increased capacity of 1 800 m3/h to eventually meet the ever-growing demand up to 2037. NamWater (the proponent) has appointed Nicholas O’Dwyer Ltd. (“NOD”) in association with GCS Water Environmental Engineering Namibia (Pty) Ltd (“GCS”) for the design, tender document preparation, administration and supervision for the construction of the new scheme and decommissioning of the old scheme. GCS will further conduct the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) process for the project. The ESIA is required to ensure sound environmental management and meet the international funder standards for environmentally and socially sustainable development, as it is sponsored by the African Development Bank (AfDB). The project must also meet the requirements of the Namibian Environmental Authorities. Under the Environmental Management Act (2007) and its Regulations (2012), an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is required for: 8.1 The abstraction of ground or surface water for industrial or commercial purposes. 8.3 Any water abstraction from a river that forms an international boundary. 8.5 Construction of dams, reservoirs, levees and weirs 10.1 The construction of (a) oil, water, gas and petrochemical and other bulk supply pipelines